Need 2nd Opinion on Steering Shaft/Rack Play

Hello

Recently, I started hearing clunking noises whenever I'm turning. At highway speeds, my steering feels like it's floating and wandering. Steering wheel has a lot of play and responsiveness is poor.

I jacked up the truck and placed my hands at the 3 and 9 position of both tires and yes, there is movement and a clunking sound near the steering column. I grabbed/shook both inner and outer tie rods and feel no play. The steering rack/bushings also have no play. My tie rod boots do appear to be cracking and there are dried oil spots. But again, they have no play at least from what I felt.

So I'm left to believe my intermediate steering shaft needs replacing and was looking for a second opinion based on what I've noticed and recorded. Any help is appreciated!

(Moving 3 and 9 position on both tires)


(Shaking steering shaft) - not good video

 

Is inner tie rod knocking normal when the truck in on the ground. The right inner tie rod seems to me moving and clunking

 

I was able to check my truck again and looks like both inner and outer tie rods are bad. At least now I know which parts to order.

 

Man I hope that is your cause.... I have a clunk that didn't get resolved via inners and outters, all steering shaft u joints are tight and rack bushings are good.... So only thing left is play in the gears itself which can't be resolved via the slider bushing

 

Yeah man I’m praying this’ll be my fix. I’d hate to replace the entire steering rack especially since I already replaced it back in 2020